The ten best birthday cakes

6. Sainsbury's
Best Budget Buy: For a mere tenner, this hand-decorated castle cake will light up any fairytale fan's big day. A strong rival for any made-to-order equivalent. Price: £10, sainsburys.co.uk

1. Waitrose
Throwing a big birthday party? The Chocolate Celebration Cake serves 35-50 people and its stylish looks and scrumptious taste will make it a sure talking point. The price includes a piped message of your choice. Price: £62, waitrose.com

2. Tesco
This understated cake is a great crowd-pleaser both in taste and in decoration, and it comes at a bargain price. Good for both children and adults. Price: £5, tesco.com

3. Patisserie Valerie
Best Buy: The pastry chefs at Valerie have an international reputation for their astoundingly good cakes. The Macedonia Cake with White Chocolate comprises vanilla sponge layered with cream and fruits decorated with glazed exotic fruits and finished with white chocolate. Price: £20.95, patisserie-valerie.co.uk

4. Harrods
Best Luxury Buy: This is one of a vast selection of imaginative birthday cakes, with attention to detail that's second to none. Choose from vanilla, chocolate or fruit cake filling and you won't be disappointed. Price: £120, harrods.com

5. The Simply Delicious Cake Company
Hand-made in a converted barn bakery in Shropshire, this rich and dark fruit cake or decadent chocolate cake has a personalised inscription and is delivered in a gift box with candle. Price: £17.95, simplydeliciouscakes.co.uk

7. Asda
Here's one for the dads and granddads. Pipe your own birthday message on the shed's roof and you're bound to bring him a smile on his special day. Price: £15, asda.co.uk

8. Marks and Spencer
What child could resist this? Like most made-to-order, personalised cakes from Marks and Spencer, it easily feeds 40 and tastes great. Your only problem will be not wanting to cut into it. Price: £45, marksandspencer.com

9. English Cheesecake Company
This is great for serving at the end of a dinner, when pudding is often more welcome than a traditional cake. The chocolate truffle cheesecake, topped with chocolate chunks, is one of many dreamy options from the English Cheese Company. Price: £27, englishcheesecake.com

10. Sweet Things Marshmountain
The Marshmountain is a splendid Belgian chocolate cake, topped with marshmallows. It's one of many delectable offerings from this London cake shop, which has an award-winning gluten-free range too. Price: £45, sweetthings.biz

Chosen by Kate Hilpern
– 12 July 2011

Whether it’s personalised, pink or covered in pirates, the right cake will make your party go with a swing. Don’t forget the candles...

COMMENT RULES: Comments that are judged to be defamatory, abusive or in bad taste are not acceptable and contributors who consistently fall below certain criteria will be permanently blacklisted. The moderator will not enter into debate with individual contributors and the moderator’s decision is final. It is Belfast Telegraph policy to close comments on court cases, tribunals and active legal investigations. We may also close comments on articles which are being targeted for abuse. Problems with commenting? customercare@belfasttelegraph.co.uk

Horoscopes

Your Horoscopes by Russell Grant

Pisces:

Your income will get a big boost, thanks to an impressive work assignment. You will be very busy in the days ahead, which is beneficial. You have a tendency to rest on your laurels when you have lots of free time. A demanding schedule forces you to step up your game. If your energy starts to flag, make time for daily exercise. It seems counterintuitive, but moving your body can actually refresh you. Working with a partner is strongly advised. A collaborator will attend to practical matters.More